Director of Marketing & Communications

American Engineering Testing Inc•Saint Paul, MN

4h•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Marketing and Communications is a senior enterprise leader responsible for shaping and executing AET’s integrated internal and external communication strategy to strengthen the brand, support growth, and ensure clear, effective communication across the organization and with key external audiences. This role owns enterprise‑wide communication and marketing strategy, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with business priorities. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director partners closely with Business Development and Operations and builds scalable internal capability—positioning communication and marketing as strategic enablers of growth, alignment, and competitive advantage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field (Master’s preferred).
10+ years progressive experience across communications, marketing, or related growth functions.
5+ years in a senior leadership role with enterprise or multi functional scope.
Demonstrated experience linking marketing and communications to business development and revenue outcomes.
Strong executive presence with experience advising senior leadership.
Proven ability to develop scalable tools, training, and internal capability.
Instinctive ability to decipher large amounts of data and requests and then distill into clear strategies and communications.
Exceptional coordination and follow-thru skills; demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines and performance objectives.
Strong sense of urgency, blended with high-quality standards; experience working in high-performance cultures..
Demonstrated competency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with research software a plus.
Able to maintain multiple projects simultaneously; working both as part of a team and individually as appropriate.
Ability to demonstrate creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and solving complex problems, determining program objectives and requirements, organizing programs and projects, and developing strategies for guidance for the development of market sector projects

Responsibilities

Develop and lead AET’s enterprise internal communication strategy, ensuring employees understand company direction, priorities, and expectations.
Translate business strategy, organizational change, and leadership decisions into clear, timely, and actionable internal communications.
Own internal communication channels, cadence, and standards to ensure consistency and effectiveness across the organization.
Partner with HR and Operations leaders to support: Change initiatives Organizational updates Leadership communications Employee engagement and culture reinforcement
Ensure internal communications reinforce AET’s values, brand, and “One AET” operating model.
Develop and lead AET’s external communication strategy, aligned to brand positioning, market differentiation, and growth priorities.
Own messaging for external audiences including clients, partners, media, community stakeholders, and industry organizations.
Oversee media relations, public relations, and external visibility efforts to protect and enhance AET’s reputation.
Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across: Website and digital platforms Marketing campaigns Thought leadership and industry presence Client‑facing communications and materials
Serve as a senior spokesperson when appropriate and manage reputational risk and issue response.
Integrate marketing, internal communications, and external communications into a single, cohesive enterprise strategy.
Define AET’s narrative, value proposition, and positioning across internal, external, and client-facing touchpoints.
Ensure alignment between marketing campaigns, proposals, client development efforts, and leadership messaging.
Elevate marketing from execution to strategic growth enablement.
Lead market positioning and brand strategy to differentiate the firm in competitive and technical markets.
Translate complex professional services capabilities into clear, compelling marketing and client value stories.
Oversee thought leadership, content strategy, and visibility initiatives that strengthen reputation and demand generation.
Ensure marketing efforts reinforce long-term brand equity and trusted-advisor positioning.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on messaging, brand, reputation, and market perception.
Lead executive communications including CEO messaging, presentations, speeches, and strategic announcements.
Support executive visibility through speaking engagements, thought leadership, and external positioning.
Design and lead training programs that build employee capability in: Client communication and presentation skills Proposal writing and storytelling Brand and marketing fundamentals
Consistent representation of the firm’s value proposition
Create scalable tools, playbooks, and frameworks that strengthen marketing and communication capability across the organization.
Develop leaders and employees to effectively support growth and client success.
Lead media relations and public relations strategy in alignment with brand and marketing goals.
Manage crisis communications and reputational risk in coordination with executive leadership.
Monitor external perception and proactively adjust strategy to protect and enhance the firm’s reputation.
Establish KPIs across communications, marketing, proposals, and client development.
Connect marketing and communication efforts to business outcomes (growth, pursuits, engagement, reputation).
Use insights and data to refine strategy and improve effectiveness.